AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLooking for improvement
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I imagine it will surprise none of you, but Paul Johnson is not taking this game lightly. I don’t think he sees this game any differently than a game against a I-A out-of-conference opponent and doesn’t want his players to, either.
“It’s like I told the guys on Monday, ‘Gardner-Webb will have good players. Everybody does,’” Johnson said at his press conference.
That said, it’s a game the Jackets should win, and handily.
Another thing Johnson said Tuesday: “Our big focus is on Georgia Tech and trying to make sure Georgia Tech gets better.”
Particularly offensively, coaches weren’t overly excited about how the Duke game played out. Remember that it turned out 27-0, but it was 3-0 at the half. The line had a lot of trouble blocking the way Johnson wanted them to; Jonathan Dywer made a lot of yards on his own. Tech’s 3.8 yards per carry average was its lowest of the season. While Jaybo Shaw and Demaryius Thomas connected for 230 yards, pass protection wasn’t great. I don’t know if you remember, but Shaw got drilled just after he released the pass to Thomas for the 88-yard touchdown.
On his radio show last night, Johnson said that, while Thomas made a lot of big plays, he also didn’t block well, and that is something, as you know, he’s been great at thus far.
Linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary was hard-pressed to find positives and, you’ve probably heard (or, preferably, read) that special teams is not high on Johnson’s list right now. One reason Johnson gave is that special teams isn’t being coached well right now, which is the first time I can remember him saying something that pointed about the staff. (Granted, I’ve been around him for about six weeks and my memory isn’t that good.)
It might be hard to really judge improvement against a team that most likely will on the whole less talented, but is there a position group that you want to see make some strides Saturday?
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Comments
By wes
October 9, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Charles Kelly must know what he’s doing.
3 pass defense in the country this year. 1 Kick-off coverage unit in the country last year.Now, is there any way he can do both?
By NYJacket
October 9, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Coach Johnson knows that the tough part of the schedule is in front of him.
Clemson is very dangerous and is hungry. North Carolina is really playing tough.
Miami and Florida State definitely will provide some serious chanllenges.
It is great to be 4 and 1 but the season has only started.
If we are to stay in the running for the ACC championship and a BCS ranking that puts us in a BCS bowl, we have to get more consistent in every aspect of the game.
By NYJacket
October 9, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Coach Johnson knows that the tough part of the schedule is in front of him.
Clemson is very dangerous and is hungry. North Carolina is really playing tough.
Miami and Florida State definitely will provide some serious challenges.
It is great to be 4 and 1 but the season has only started.
If we are to stay in the running for the ACC championship and a BCS ranking that puts us in a BCS bowl, we have to get more consistent in every aspect of the game.
By Wrecker1
October 9, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
I would like to see better pass blocking. I’m sure we spend about 75% of practice time on run blocking but we can’t afford to lose ground when we attempt to pass. Nesbitt has changed a lot of potential losses into big gains when protection broke down but we can’t always depend on that. I’m not sure why we changed punters this past week. Anderson seemed to be slow getting the punt off and averaged probably 5 yards less per punt. We need to do a better job of punting our opponents inside the 20. Lastly I want to see better blocking on the perimeter. It has been pretty good but the Duke game was not a good example of blocking on the perimeter. Defensively I think we’ve been pretty sound but the mid range passes (12-15 yards) over the middle have been a small concern of mine.
By GTDozier
October 9, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
I just had to spend the better part of the week in Knoxville for business and all the talk up there is UT losed to UGA Fulmer is out, my jaw dropped at the short list of replacemnts including Paul Johnson! Then the next day I heard the same thing on another station. It is good if the powerhouse schools like our coach, but I am worried that he may jump.
By cltgtfan
October 9, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
The reason it isn’t coached well is that there is ultimately no one responsible for it. CPJ has taken a team coaching approach that is not working out well right now. I expect he will either take more control himself or find one of the staff to take more ownership of the special teams. (obviously after what Kelly did last year he would be at the top of the list if schedule allows it)
It must be worked on because teams with talented atheletes capable of big returns await (Clemson, UNC FSU and Miami)
By jabster
October 9, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Kickoffs and return coverage are the least of my worries right now (anyone remember 2 years ago before Blair came on?). We still need to get better with FGs and PATs. That guy who punted against Duke looked good. Not great, but OK, and good enough to give Blair some heat in the depth chart.
GTDozier: If someone wants Paul Johnson, they better get out their checkbook. He has a humongous buyout, not to mention what you’d have to pay him over his current salary to move.
Tennessee or another SEC or Big 10 school could probably swing the salary, but the buyout would be ugly—especially early in the contract.
Some of you—you know who you are—need to buy your tickets and get down to the Flats and quit worrying about where the games are on the tube.
CPJ will eventually be at a point where his contract will need to be re-upped before it runs out. If you want to keep CPJ, we need to make sure that the GTAA has the scratch to do it. So buy those tickets and quit b!+ching about what station the game is on.
By GT45
October 9, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
GTDozier, No more good news, okay? He is a Tenn man, but I don’t know if he would want to deal with Tenn fans. They are tough!
By old gold engineer
October 9, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Ken,I would like to see the offensive line perform as well as they did versus Mississippi State and build on that for next week’s game. As mentioned previously, the pass protection and perimeter blocking could also be improved from the Duke game. Clemson plays tonight, so they will have a couple of extra days to prepare for our game next week. None of our remaining opponents after Gardner-Webb can be taken lightly, so we need to take advantage of this opportunity to work on particular areas needing improvement.
By okeefe59
October 9, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
CPJ is An N.C. man. Just keep winning and fillthe seats. 46000 for Miss. St. won’t get it.
By BuzzFactor
October 9, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
PJ is not a Tenn man.
Education: Western Carolina, B.S., 79 Appalachian State, M.S.,82
By MVP
October 9, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
I wish Paul Johnson would give Marcus Wright a shot at running punts and kicks, I know he’s a FR, but he runs a 4.3 and is a perade all american out of TX, I can see this guy making a huge impact on special teams. GT fans will get a chance to see how explosive he is this weekend at RB, but hopefully he will play on special teams as well.
By CW
October 9, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
I’ve got to believe that Coach Johnson went with a new punter so Blair can focus on FG’s and PAT’s. This is probably a smart move.
Our coverage in the kicking game really has been atrocious. Clemson and UNC both have return men who will be licking their lips when they watch our film. I’d say kick and punt coverage are the #1 priority. Our defense can’t be put in position to defend with the ball starting on the 30 or 40 yard line all game long.
2 priority would be offensive line. Dwyer has shown he can take it all the way when given space, but he isn’t nearly as dangerous when the D-line gets penetration into the backfield.As far as Coach Johnson being on a list for a team that might fire their coach, I have two comments:
sounds like another good reason to pul for the Vols Saturday
Coach Johnson looks like he’s settling in pretty good on the flats. I don’t see him even considering another job until he’s proven to himself and others what he can accomplish at Tech.
By not taking them lightly?
October 9, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
a team that plays in the potato bowl in idaho every on a blue field, and then finds a natural spring under their own practice field, should take no team lightly brother
By Born2Buzz
October 9, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Here’s why I think CPJ is such a great coach. After the Duke game I was thinking of calling into the coaches radio show and asking Coach what can we do to get better on punt returns. We never seem to have any room for a return and I would say we are at the bottom of the conference in that stat. Before I can call, what has Coach said they need to work on and get better at - special teams. This coach is not satisfied with mediocrity, not OK with being OK. He wants this team to be the best in every facet of the game.
So, Special teams, specifically punt returns is what i want to see improvement in. And I expect to since Coach is wanting the same thing.
By ken sugiura
October 9, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
MVP- On his radio show last night, Johnson said that Wright should get a chance to run some kickoffs back. On punts, I think they’re going to stick with Tyler Melton. I don’t think he’s been the problem.
Larry or I asked Johnson about punting early this week; he said something to the effect that it was something they’re still looking at. I’d think that Chandler Anderson will at least get another chance to prove himself. Monken said he’s shown better in practice than he did against Duke.
By Bryan
October 9, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
If UT fires Fulmer (which they should) It will cost them roughly 6 million to buy out his contract. It will cost them that much or more to buy out CPJ’s contract. Cutcliffe would most likely be the first they go after. UT loves him and Fulmer has done little without him.
By Geori
October 9, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Marcus Wright will have his chance to shine on Saturday. If he does well against GW, he should supplant Greg Smith as the fourth A-Back in rotation.
By GT76
October 9, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
If all of the players have bought into the continuous improvement attitude that Coach Johnson has instilled they will be hard to beat by the end of the year.
The attitude is great. If they play up to their potential they will be very hard to beat. Of course that is probably true of over 1/2 the teams in the country. The ones that achieve their potential have the best coaches. Georgia Tech has one of them.
By Buzzfan1936
October 9, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
I still remember the 2 games against Furman when they were 1-AA: 1 loss, 1 tie. They turned out to be very good and beat other 1-A teams. CPJ won’t overlook them. He appears to be a perfectionist who is constantly looking for ways to improve.
By Oldawg
October 9, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Gardner Webb. Give me a break. And quit complaining and whining about being in the top 25 until you actually beat some good competition. Your schedule is ridiculous. Of course the whole ACC is ridiculous. If Georgia were in the ACC and Tech in the ACC East, I think its obvious Ga would be the odds on favorite Every year to win the ACC and win it most years and Tech would be there with Vandy and Ky and SC most years fighting to stay out of the cellar.
By Reggie Ball
October 9, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Of course Coach is not taking games lightly….I mean the ACC is basically a FCS conference. These boys have it easy today. If I could have played against this competition I would be in NFL right now.
By Alabama Jack
October 9, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Hey, oldawg, go pee pee in your own kool-aid, dude. Otherwise, we’ll send Saban’s bunch back to administer another butt kicking.
By jacketbacker
October 9, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
hey olfartdog…you just got killed by the only good team you have played…..so much for that NC……i know, wait till recruiting season, right? i’ve never seen a bunch of losers do less with MORE! you have more talent than anyone in the country and have nothing to show for it!….must suck to be a mutt!!
By fleming
October 9, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
OldDog— And who has UGA played exactly this year???? Only strong team so far was UA and you looked worse against them than Clemson did. Talk about false pride. You UGA fans take the cake every year. All talk and no bark.
Yip Yip Yip
By urinatesondawgs
October 9, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
I would like to see everybody in pads get on the field this weekend. We need more depth…especially on the O-line. Can’t wait to see the dead presidents back together…I think our LB depth is getting better….as for those dawgs that keep posting BS….you guys have a lot more to worry about than the Jackets and who we play…be worried about a so-so UT team coming in and making a fool out of the dawgs in your own kennel. Dawgs lose 4 games this year and reality finally sets in….”We Just Aren’t That Good”
By CarolinaJacket
October 9, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
I agree, the more players who get game experience the better any team is. And we are getting line backers back who were starters at the beginning of the year and who are now having to work their way back up the depth chart. Looking good there, and those young dbacks are playing great. Team is definitely improving.
By Denver Dawg
October 9, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
You better not take Gardner-Webb lightly, they might just beat your overrated team. Gardber-Webb 20 Georgia Tech 17
By Denver Dawg
October 9, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
fleming:
“You UGA fans take the cake every year. All talk and no bark.”
What? You Tech fans are stupid. Can you say 7-0 since 2001 against Tech?? Win 7 in a row then you can run your mouth.
By eddie
October 9, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Denver Dawg, you have not heard Tech fans bragging about anything while we listened to the incessant NC baloney out of you. Can YOU say 31-0 Alabama? Would have been 50-0 if Saban had not called his Tide off of your puppies.
By jabster
October 9, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Sagarin has our “ridiculous” schedule as #18 in the country…and UGA’s at #22.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbt08.htm
Of course, that will change depending on how our scheduled opponents do against OOC and non-common ACCA opponents (e.g., Wake, Maryland, NCSU), as well as the performance of those opponents. Ditto for UGA.
By GT
October 9, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
There is nothing in this coach that tells you there is a shortage of pavement. He has been a winner on every level and we are acting like this is something new for him. I first of all thing he has met the toughest opponents in Va. Tech and Boston College on the schedule this year from the ACC. I think as the offense leans the playbook and the linemen learn blocking technique this team just gets better and better. I don’t think that happens too many places, if at all. Do watch Auburn they will be one of the few, like Tech that beat people late in the season.
By mowreck
October 9, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Denver Dawg you been up in the Altitude toooooo long
By gth6xxx
October 9, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
I’m tired of reading these posts by UGA fans saying we haven’t beat anybody big…..let me ask you guys, who has UGA beat that was big?
GA Southern? Yea, that was tough Central Michigan? I didn’t know they had a team Arizona State…..yea right Carolina….another down year for them Alabama….the only good team you played while getting your a*******es destroyed in the first half.
By Not a beeliever - yet
October 9, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
One of the advertised problems with this offense is that it is notoriously tough on QBs. 5 games in and we’re down to our third stringer? The timing was pretty good…an off week followed by games with Duke and G-W. Can we keep the QBs healthy enough during the final 6 weeks to finish off the season strong?
By diehardjacket
October 9, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
It is comical reading the “leg humpers” post to our blogs. Why? Because thay have nothing going for them. The only REAL team they played was UA and it was over after the first drive. THE FIRST DRIVE…..HA HA HA! You guys may lose the next 3 of 4.
Seven in a row….blah! blah! blah!
They can’t stand it becasue Tech is moving forward and they are moving backwards. POOR LEG-HUMPERS.
Enjoy it while it lasts mutts, because your day cometh!
By reggie ball
October 9, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
7 in a row??? You can only blame me for 4 of those…Will we ever beat UGA again?
By ACC Joke
October 9, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
Weak Forest beats Clemson 12-7…..When Weak Forest plays for / wins the league title you know you are playing high school ball. I mean your league champion loses to Navy….Navy!! Midshipmen must still be influenced by the great CPJ!! Do we really have to have an ACC team in one of the BCS bowls? All college football fans would be better served with 3 from the BIG 12 and none from ACC.
By GT90
October 10, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this
Our QB’s are banged up but Nesbitt was doing just fine until he pulled up lame and it wasn’t due to a hit. Its a hammy injury. And for Shaw, he is a small QB for Div I ball and a true freshman so he hasn’t grown physically yet. So I wouldn’t blame the physical toll on the type of offense we run. It certainly adds to the lumps but isn’t the sole reason we are down to our 3rd string. Both Nesbitt and Shaw will be stronger next year and our O-line will have existing and new players to block better to minimize the hits on the QB. I’m not worried about the beatings the QB’s take. Maybe in the short term, but certainly not in the long run.
Question: If Booker starts, will they stick w/ the trip option or will they modify the game plan for a drop back passer? Anyone have any inside info on that scenario?
By GT90
October 10, 2008 2:01 AM | Link to this
ACC Joke: Sh-t happens in conference play. Tech crushes a Miss State team that loses to Auburn 3-0 yet Auburn will probably end up in a big time bowl. Maryland crushes a good Cal team. And that Wake team beat an Ole Miss team that beat Florida AT Florida. ACC may not be as strong as SEC or Big 12 but we are, by no mean, a high school conference. You are an ignorant college football fan who is sour b/c it was probably your Cal team who got beat by a bi-polar Maryland team or an Ole Miss fan who got beat by Wake. Or a Colorado fan who got beat down by FSU. Take your pick you idiot.
By GoTECH610
October 10, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this
I tell them all the time that when you score a touchdown, run over and hand the official the ball. Act like you have been there and like you’ve scored before. Don’t act like it’s the first one you have scored in your life and it is the only one you are ever going to score. I think that reflects more on the players than it does the coaches. The kids have bought into the fact that it’s not all about `me’ — it’s about the team.” Coach Paul Johnson….
Yep, that was a stab at UGA, you leg humpers suck…..PJ coaches his players with class…..Heck UGA is still suspending players 5 games into the season…..CRIMEDAWGS!!!!!! CLASSLESS
By USNA73
October 10, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
PJ’s not going anywhere, folks. You’ve got five years, minimum, but if he is successful, he will squeeze every buck out of that you will cough up during those five years. It ain’t about the $$$, but then again it is.
By Not Disappointed
October 10, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Hey, I just love The Wreck! Go Jackets!!!!!!!!!!!!!Have a good weekend all!